Da Vinci Eye AR Tracing App Review |

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This app behaves like an old-style projector to allow users to trace their own reference photos, right from their smart phone onto any kind of paper. Read on to learn more about this amazing little app and why I will be using it both professionally and personally, as well as my PROs & CONs, below.
I literally stumbled onto this app while on Instagram. I dismissed it, initially, but then was curious to learn what it could do. WOW! Once I got into it, I had no idea how rich the app would be. They packed it full of features, settings, tips, tutorials, and more so there's no way to get bored while using this app.
As a disclaimer, I have no affiliation with this company (Cube MG LLC) and I am not paid to promote or review their products. I just think this is an amazing, educational, and really fun app that I wanted to let other artists know about.
DaVinci Eye is a $4.99 fully-functional app designed for newer Apple iPhones and iPads, though it may be compatible in Classic Mode with Android, as well.
So, there are other drawing aid and/or tracing apps out there, like the free SKetchAR app for iOS and Android, but they are significantly more limited in comparison and don't leverage AR capabilities.
Also, there are desktop products, like the Lucy Drawing Tool from LucidArt, which is designed after the old Lucigraph devices from years ago. It uses lenses and mirrors to allow users to look into a lens, see their subject in the distance, and see the subject reflected onto their paper, below. The issue is that it clips onto the table, so it wobbles when you draw, causing the subject to misalign.
In this video, I mention a previous video about "Why TRACING is Good for Artists."
Here's the link to that video: • Why TRACING is GOOD fo...
Below are the PRO's and CON's of the DaVinci Eye AR Drawing app, starting with the CONs:
CONS:
• May be considered expensive at around $5.
• Does not work with older Apple products (specs below).
• AR Mode does not work with Android products.
• No support (as of now) for Galaxy or Google devices.
• Requires phone to be placed on top of a glass (or similar) to use; concern of phone falling or being knocked off, accidentally, causing damage.
• Some minor, forgivable glitches in the software (sometimes relics would not disappear, entering Add Anchor would not permit exiting to main menu, etc).
• Uses significant processing power (static it consumed 28% battery power).
• Moderate file size: 132.7MB.
• Moderate to steep learning curve, especially for non-tech savvy users.
• Interface and features can be complex and overwhelming until user becomes familiar.
PROS:
• At $5, considerably inexpensive for such a feature-rich app that may be useful.
• Works seamlessly with newer Apple products.
• Interface and navigation are easy to use, with some time exploring.
• An excellent tracing reference resource tool.
• Promotes more effective drawing skills.
• Helps to develop shape, value, and perspective recognition.
• Does not require the internet to use, or even electricity if phone is charged.
• Includes daily challenges and inspiration photos.
• Features challenges and motivational components.
• Access to a wealth of tutorials, lessons, and user-community.
• Gallery-like format to share work with others.
• An excellent educational resource.
• and much more!
LINKS:
DaVinci Eye site: www.davincieyeapp.com
Cube MG LLC Developer's site: www.cubemg.com/da-vinci-eye-a...
SPECS (AR MODE REQUIREMENTS):
To use AR mode, you must have an A10x or A11 processor and above. We recommend using:
- iPhone 8 and newer (iPhone 7 and below will not work)
- iPad Mini 5th Generation and newer
- iPad Air 2019 and newer
- iPad Pro 3rd Gen (Any pro made after 2018) and newer
GEAR:
• Strathmore Bristol Paper
• Prismacolor 3B drawing pencil
• Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator (for graphic design aspect)
• Apple iPhone 12
MUSIC:
“Still Fall (instr)” by M.D. Campbell © 2021 M.D. Campbell • All rights reserved
Blog: www.markdcampbell.com/the-9-li...
Instagram: mdcampbellart
Facebook: m.d. campbell
_____
The intent of my channel is to bring videos of useful content to help fellow artists and art students with insightful information, as well as bring consumers real-world reviews on the products we're likely to buy and use every day.
I'm always grateful for feedback to help improve my channel, so please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
Thank you for your time watching! Cheers! ~ Mark
#davincieye
#art-tracing
#mdcampbellart

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5 фев 2021

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Комментарии : 95

@nancyloomis3046 5 месяцев назад

Hi Mark...you did this video 3 years ago. I downloaded DaVinci Eye on my iPhone 8+, maybe sometime in the last year? I'm just now opening it to really see what it can do. I guess I saw that it was some sort of tracing assist ap that appeared to be helpful, but I didn't look at it much till yesterday! Even the tutorial on the app didn't make sense to me at first until I really took a few minutes to see how it works. I think it can really be helpful. I'm def gonna try it out. I then thought there's gotta be some reviews on YT and yours is the first one I saw. You explained it all very well and I agree with your take on it being a good for learning how to draw app, as well as a time-saver for professionals or more advanced artists. I guess I'm in the "more advanced" category. I know all the principles of drawing, and if I put in the time, my drawing skills are pretty good. But sometimes, my brain to my eye to my hand, just doesn't communicate that well and the simplest shapes can be wrong or off and then I'm erasing, over and over. And then, my enthusiasm tends to wane l and I'm frustrated, when all I really wanted to do was to get the work going. So thanks for your clear review of this helpful app. I know you're a pro graphic artist...do you find yourself using DaVinci Eye very often?

@bootiebromley999 Год назад

Thankfully I found this because he’s so clear compared to other videos for DaVinci

@MDCampbell Год назад

Thank you, Bootie Bromley. I try to be clear in my videos, even though I am fully transparent in my life! LOL!! Glad you enjoyed this one. Be well! ~ Mark

@4seaable 2 года назад

I'm a watercolor artist and new to this app. I look forward to using it, especially with my iPad. There's lots to learn!

@lynnrushton7458 2 года назад

Just got this app today, so I’m still finding my way around it......thank you for your help, much appreciated 🙏 so far it’s great!! 👍😁

@RevanLatikos 3 года назад

Since I can't draw for the life of me, I might just give that App a try. Thanks for the great review, really liked the video!

@garygould9397 11 месяцев назад

Thanks for that. I have a lot of trouble with portraits, and was looking at this app as an aid. Think I'll get it now, it looks very handy.

@BeckyTregear 3 года назад

That is such a cool app! After Frugal February I might get it, haha. I enjoyed watching your process with the hummingbirds, and that little logo you came up with is so cute. I love apps that have lots of features.

@STICKYArt 3 года назад

This was really interesting! love the technology available for artists and creators! I will definitely play around with this. Thanks for posting this!

@MDCampbell 3 года назад

Thank you, STICKY Art! I feel exactly the same way. Not surprised you felt for this one! Love your digital work!

@philiptownsend4026 Год назад

Thanks for the very helpful overview. I have bought DaVinci Eye for Android and am presently soaking up as much as I can about how to use it.

@marycollins1146 Год назад

I can see myself going missing for hours with this -- thank-you ! 🙂

@Linda-rs5qt 3 года назад

Omg! I love it!!! This is sooo helpful! Thank you sooo much!!

@MDCampbell 3 года назад

Thank you, Linda! Glad it was helpful!

@firdyk 3 года назад

A very thorough explanation. Thank you

@MDCampbell 3 года назад

I appreciate that, firdyk! Thanks!

@ebtehalfahd988 3 года назад

Thanks a lot for your kind excellent review 🌸

@MDCampbell 3 года назад

Your welcome, and thank you for your kind feedback!

@Miastrong930 3 года назад

Thank what a great find. I looked into it little and found that you can also move the paper you are drawing on around.

@theundead1600 3 месяца назад

Neat a app camera obscura. I’m waitng on the tool when it’s in stock but I may try this .

@CajunSunshineCrafts 3 года назад

I must try this!! Thank You for Sharing!... very interesting! BTW I love your videos!

@MDCampbell 3 года назад

Thank you, Cajun Sunshine Crafts! I will say that it may not be for everyone and my impressions are favorable toward how I will use the app; that said, I think it's worth exploring. I've paid more money for a bad lunch than this, so... lol! Cheers and thank you for the kind words! ~ Mark

@CajunSunshineCrafts 3 года назад

@@MDCampbell That is SOOO True! You've got a point! Cheers!

@susanmangano1115 3 года назад

Great video!

@ThereIsSoulInArt 3 года назад

I am a very new watercolor "artist" & I recently came across someone mentioning this app. I must admit I am one who feels guilty tracing or using anything other than my own sketches that I draw from books that show me how. I have no artistic background whatsoever. My real desire is for watercolor painting & I feel I am really holding myself back my limiting myself to only my actual freehand drawings. As you said, this could actually improve my drawing skills. This looks like a fabulous app & I am very appreciative that you reviewed this & especially since you are an artist. I am purchasing this app! Thank you so very much.

@MDCampbell 3 года назад

Thank you, GrammyGotHerGrooveOn! I admit, I don't use the app on a daily basis, but it has come in extremely handy on several occasions where I needed the aid. My attitude is that people should release the guilt about tracing - or that it's a bad thing - and embrace the joy of just being creative in whatever way gets us to step into our creative spirit. That's what this is great for. Of course, I wouldn't recommend tracing other people's work and then saying it's our own, because that's not the point (though some people still do it). It's all about our own, individual comfort level and learning experiences. I hope you enjoy the app! ~ Mark

@ThereIsSoulInArt 3 года назад

@@MDCampbell thank you Mark.

@janeenshean4255 3 года назад

Ty great normal info I can understand

@saolairde396 Год назад

Great review!

@MDCampbell Год назад

Thank you so much, Saol Airde! I appreciate that!

@gnostie Год назад

Very useful app if you are okay at drawing. I agree, Dave Porter is wonderful, even though I don’t do dry pastels and admire from afar.

@davidmciver9483 Год назад

The suggested stand to hold the phone is great.

@Swingman 3 года назад

very helpful. thank you

@WindspielArt 3 года назад

Uh that AR feature sounds really helpful! I think I will check if my smartphone can handle that. If not I think I will stick to my "normal" methods to trace something to learn (printing it out and using sandwich paper as tracing paper because its cheaper then normal tracing paper xD)

@PaulaBean 3 года назад

There exist other Camera Lucida apps, but this one is really good.

@MDCampbell 3 года назад

I've only tried one other and it was okay for what it did; this one has more than enough bells and whistles, each with unique functions and benefits, that it makes it hard for others to compete - especially with the community level interaction. I really like that! Have you tried any, Paula Bean? If so, which do you recommend? Thank you and hope all is well! ~ Mark

@carolynapappas 3 года назад

I've been looking into this app to help me transfer my sketches to a block of watercolor paper. My lightbox won't work because it's too thick and I haven't had much luck with transfer paper. I tried the etchr mirror and I didn't care for it. Plus, this is a lot cheaper! I think I will definitely try it.

@MDCampbell 3 года назад

Thank you for checking this out, Carolyn. I won't promise it's the end-all, but from my experience, I really see benefits to this little app and the power of utilizing the phone's camera and AR abilities to help promote art education and creativity. So far, my experience has been positive, but I'm looking forward to putting it to the test on an actual project for a client and how well I'll be able to utilize it. Good luck and again, thank you! ~ Mark

@ChrisThon 3 года назад

Great review - definitely getting that app. Just mount your phone on a flexibel phone holder to avoid it falling from a Glas 😉

@MDCampbell 3 года назад

It really is neat. I also found a new function for it which isn't tracing, but simply to zoom in on what I'm drawing and being able to look through the phone to see my pen tip. I hate to admit, but being older now, my eyesight isn't very good - this technique helps me see what I'm doing better! As for the flexi phone holder, I have two but you can't mount them to the table you're drawing on, because the shaking is annoying. That's what I don't like about the Lucy Drawing Tool, which also mounts to the table you draw on. Thank you for checking this out and I hope you enjoy the app! ~ Mark

@ChrisThon 3 года назад

@@MDCampbell Thx for the tip on the new function. I have a pretty stable mount for my RU-vid videos so I’m gonna try that, otherwise I’m gonna use a cheap phone case and glue it onto whatever I’m gonna use to put my phone on 😊

@klyanebahw7131 3 года назад

Realy nice explanation. A better idea for your glas setup is to use a gooseneck phone or tablet holder. I have very good experience with this method within the home scooling periods since civid were my students have to see what i am writing on my desk.

@MDCampbell 3 года назад

I agree, though most of the gooseneck-style holders clip onto the table that I'm working on. In fact, I have two right next to me in my studio on either side of my desk and as I type, they are gently shaking. That's where the drawback can be UNLESS, I suppose, if it were to be used with the AR Mode so the image would be stable while the gooseneck holder shakes a little while drawing. Definitely a great point, Klyane BAHW! Thank you for sharing. I'm going to have to explore that further! Cheers!

@klyanebahw7131 3 года назад

@@MDCampbell Agreed shaking is a massive drawback i've not thougth of. My desk is such a stable konstrukt i have to jolt with considerable force bevor my holder starts shaking. In your case i would suggest to clip it on a chair or a cupbort next to the table to break the conection for force transport. Have fun while exporing :)

@davidmciver9483 Год назад

I use this. It is astounding and has made my pastel drawings a dream to start. Projecting, tracing, camera obscura , Lucy device, light box do not compare. That and ‘Dave Porter Art’ UTube instruction has been a game changer.

@bevturquoise4651 4 месяца назад

Thanks for telling me about the difficulties.......I won't be able to do this.

@dianethoroughman9541 3 года назад

That is a cool app. I don't have an I phone. I have an android. But that app is in the game store. It costs about 4 dollars to purchase. Thank you for sharing.

@MDCampbell 3 года назад

Yes, Diane, that may be the biggest drawback that it's not fully featured for all platforms. Glad to know it's available. My advice would be only get if you think you'll use it. Definitely not a necessary tool, but more of a luxury purchase or use if need. For me, one project would cover the $4 cost! lol! Stay well! ~ Mark

@recoveringsoul755 3 года назад

I'm not getting any Apple device just for that. Nice to know it might be on android

@RevanLatikos 3 года назад

@@recoveringsoul755 I took a look at the app description earlier for a friend, and the app is in the play store as well.

@koothendi 3 года назад

How do you remove the square that's around the picture? When you zoom in I saw a little square around it. Also can this please be used for iPad?

@Ds-iv2tz 3 года назад

Tracing is not cheating at all as long as you don't try to clame it as yours. It's a good learning tool to get better at drawing and improve your art skills.

@Vgladstone1 3 года назад

I am one that was against these type of devices, yes I know the old masters used them. To get over my thoughts I downloaded the app. Yes I can see where it would be helpful.

@MDCampbell 3 года назад

I definitely get that, Valerie Gladstone. My initial reaction when I saw it advertised was, "meh, who needs it?" But, later when I thought about how useful it might be to students, I went back to it. Glad I did, because once I began using it, I saw an intrinsic value in the return of how it could be used for illustration and design. For some, I think, it could be a huge advantage, especially in both art education AND in commercial art. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this and hoping you are well! ~ Mark

@idostuff-nf9pc 4 месяца назад

Is it necessary to subscribe to the app to be able to draw your own photos? If so.. I can't figure out how. I only get the classic mode.. and then only the app photos

@edzejandehaan9265 3 года назад

Haha, even the honeybird got his floaty eye...😄 It looks like a great app, interesting. To be honest, for me personally, I am a bit hesitant about the use of these kind of tools. Of course as a hobbyist, time efficiency is not an issue. My main concern is whether tracing like this would take away from the satisfaction/ fun of creating a drawing or painting. As that is my only reward for doing it in the first place that is quite an important concern....

@PaulaBean 3 года назад

Since I can't draw, tracing is my only option to get something recognizable on the paper. I enjoy the watercolouring process more than the drawing.

@MDCampbell 3 года назад

I can totally appreciate that concern, Edze Jan de Haan. I was skeptical, as well, at first. But, for me, the idea that an app or tool might encourage a person to pursue their creativity or just get them to try drawing for the first time makes it a valuable resource. And from the position of "I'm trying to learn to draw a tree, but it keeps coming out all wrong," this may give that person just the insight they need to draw that tree correctly, maybe getting them to see what they're doing incorrectly. And, like I said in the video, for someone like me who can already draw, but who may not have the time to create a logo or an icon for a project, this will be a tremendous help in expediting that process by allowing me to take a photo, trace it quickly, then immediately convert it into a graphics app for rendering. A lot of benefits, I think, for the price of a Starbucks coffee. lol! Cheers and thank you for your feedback!

@edzejandehaan9265 3 года назад

@@MDCampbell Thanks for you thoughtful reply. I really appreciate it!

@philiptownsend4026 Год назад

@@PaulaBean My mother was a good acrylic painter and I have some of her paintings on our wall to help me remember her. But she claimed she couldn't draw so I would do the squaring up for her and do the initial sketch on her canvas. If DaVinci Eye and smartphones had been around back then I could have done a much better job of helping my mother.

@sandrajohnson2489 3 года назад

I'm a painter and sometimes I need to trace an image to get the proportions correct. If I'm working with watercolors I will use my thin light box and if I'm working with oils I use one of my projectors. I don't feel that it's cheating to trace an image. Pretty much anyone can trace something but not everyone can turn it into a beautiful painting. I suppose the phone app is good but it isn't something I would ever use.

@stevenicholls4760 Год назад

Can you use this app on an old iPhone, I have a iPhone se, but it has ios version 16.1.2

@1946Norma 3 года назад

Very nice explanation, thanks, but I find it difficult to bring out the set of transparent to draw a photo from my photos. Difficult to explain but I am stuck.

@philiptownsend4026 Год назад

I wonder if you ever became unstuck? I see nobody replied, perhaps because nobody understood your question?

@catherinamurphy7007 3 года назад

I have and Iphone 7 and it works for me - I dont know if it works for all the features , I only tried the classical mode as I just bought it two days ago

@MDCampbell 3 года назад

That's great to know, Catherina Murphy, thank you for sharing! I hope you enjoy the app! As I've said to others, I don't use it every day, of course, but it's been a remarkable tool when I've needed it. Well worth the money, in my opinion! Cheers and thank you for letting us know! ~ Mark

@omariparris9953 2 года назад

10:19 brilliant

@bls924 Год назад

This looks interesting to use. Will it work well with an Android based tablet or better with a phone??

@MDCampbell Год назад

Hi there! I haven't tried it with a tablet, but have had great success with my phone.

@taylorharrislyle9468 2 года назад

Just found your video, still watching it - question!! Can you add your own photos to it and still be able to trace?

@MDCampbell 2 года назад

Hi Taylor Harris Lyle! In the version I use, yes, I use my own photos which is why it's such a great tool.

@battygirlrachel 3 года назад

That's cool... Might have to try it out. Have you seen the WRMK tracing tool? It's a piece of reflective acrylic you put in the provided stand and sit next to your phone and you look through the reflection to trace. This app might be more useful though...

@MDCampbell 3 года назад

Yes, the We R Memory Keeper's Reflective Tracing tool is a wonderful product, especially for crafters and people looking to create drawings on a smaller scale. The plastic reflector is only about 5-6 inches/squared, so it limits the area of the page you draw on. Also, while I think it's a terrific tool, it forces you to trace an image backwards, because it's a reflection. Still, on most phones you can flip an image in the editor, so that shouldn't be too big of a deal. Where this app really shines is the ability to control the opacity, keep the image stable, and even allow for a flashlight to flood the drawing area. It's not a natural process, either way, so it takes time to learn to use, which for me, after just a few days with the app, I was feeling very comfortable with it. I'm sure the same is true for the WRMK tool, as well! Great advice and point about that! Thank you for sharing it!! Almost forgot about that little product. lol!

@epicsketchesart8518 8 месяцев назад

Can you search up characters like fnaf or any cartoons?

@TheTrueWarlic 3 года назад

Hello, I found your video very interesting and helpful, but I have a rather important question before I pull the trigger on it. Will this aid me at all when I work purely within the confines of an ipad? I do most of my work digitally, and my line art is very poor when drawing from reference.I see how this can help transferring an image onto a physical medium, but I am doubtful of its effect on improving art digitally, because I can already take an image and lower the opacity to trace it, or am I very wrong on that front? Any help would be much appreciated

@PaulaBean 3 года назад

Tracing will make your hand/eye coordination better. When you trace the same apple ten times, then draw it freehand, it'll look better than when you try to freehand it ten times. Chances are that in the latter case, you keep making the same mistakes over and over.

@MDCampbell 3 года назад

Hi Shadow Fox. Great question. So, for this app, it is designed to work in traditional environments, not digital. That said, it will aid in possibly developing better awareness of your reference and may help improve skills. But, tracing is tracing and the best way to improve drawing skills is to work without tracing. Period. For me, I took many still life and life drawing classes which were paramount to improving my skills. This app is merely an aid. As for digital, well, like you said, you take a photo, put it on a layer in Procreate (or other app), drop the opacity and trace on another layer. No need for a third party app like this. Again, this is designed for the traditional environment, not the digital. I hope this was helpful. Cheers! - Mark

@TheTrueWarlic 3 года назад

@@MDCampbell yep, that was a great answer. Have a nice day :) thanks

@RyanLang7 3 года назад

Reading through these comments, you can see this general idea of guilt or shame for "cheating" or "tracing" an image. Art isn't a magic trick. There is no "cheating". It's all relative, anyway. You want to create a drawing, but you think you're cheating for using a tool that helps you accurately place your block-in lines? Ok, well, by that logic, aren't you cheating from using reference to begin with? Shouldn't you be good enough to draw something from your mind? Of course not (not that a skill such as that isn't attainable). It's all very silly and it's just noise that comes between you, the artist, and what you're trying to create. What IS a silly idea would be if a person were to think they could just download an app that will help them accurately place block-in lines and then they suddenly can create beautiful drawings/paintings as a result. You still have to learn how to see things objectively to progress as an artist. Many would likely argue you'd get better in a shorter amount of time if you did the block-in stages without this tool though, perhaps. You could say the same thing about arithmetic vs. a calculator. I like it because I am a digital lighting artist and I find that my interests always gravitate toward lighting/rendering stages. So for me, it makes it easier to be able to get to those stages quicker if I can rely on the fact that I know my block-in lines aren't wildly off.

@MDCampbell 3 года назад

I agree with you, Ryan Lang, and as I said before, if someone is a one-trick pony and must rely on tracing to succeed, then their success will likely be limited by lack of growth. But, as a tool for learning or expediency, it's value can be immeasurable. There's a lot of art out there. Whatever works, right? lol! Cheers and thank you for your time and valuable feedback. I really appreciate your thoughts. ~ Mark

@adonishtar Год назад

It’s the equivalent of “You aren’t a real mathematician if you use a calculator”. Another tool in the shed is all it is.

@shivangkausharts1608 2 года назад

Do this app work in any phone please reply sir

@MDCampbell 2 года назад

It works on iPhone, which is what I stated in the video.

@artistblock8538 3 года назад

You didn't mention how much this cost in the video

@MDCampbell 3 года назад

The price is listed in the video description, below the video. The app costs about $4.99 which is the price of a large Starbucks coffee beverage.

@tlccreates Год назад

Monthly or yearly subscription, unfortunately

@PerezRivera65 3 года назад

Yu wrong reason u get it is to copy to drawvMikey mouse and Disney things the are copyright free

@bobbyorinion7974 Год назад

Cons may be considered expensive at $5 Pro at $5 considerably inexpensive so what is it. It can’t be both smdh

@MDCampbell Год назад

It depends on your budget. If $5 is out of your price range, then it's too expensive; however, if $5 is chump-change, then it's inexpensive. For me, I found the price to be reasonable for what the app offers. Someone else might find it unreasonable and think that .99¢ is far.

@tlccreates Год назад

$5 per month

@IsraelThomas-of8tb 2 месяца назад

1k likes

@cesarcristini9036 3 года назад

en español

@stevenicholls4760 Год назад

It cost £8.99

@mariejames9962 3 года назад

It's getting alot of attention from FAKE Artists

@MDCampbell 3 года назад

I'm not exactly sure what you mean by "FAKE Artists?" People pretending to be artists by using this app? Well, I suppose if it works, it will work for a little while. But, everyone knows that feigning only lasts a short while.